Termination of
Concurrent I-140 and I-485 Filing, and Fee Increase for Premium Processing
Service

1/30/2007

Dr. William:

I heard the possible termination of
concurrent I-140 and I-485 filing, and fee increase for Premium Processing
service. Are they true? and may I fill the concurrent I-140 and I-485 filing
at this time? Thank you.

A: We answered this kind of question before,
for the possible termination of concurrent Form I-140 and Form I-485 filing
procedure by USCIS. It is almost certain that the termination
is in the USCIS' agenda. It may be possible
that before the end of 2007, the concurrent filing of Form I-140 and Form I-485
may be eliminated. But at this time, you still can file I-140 and I-485
concurrently.

The termination of the I-140 and I-485 concurrent filing
will bring hardships for some employment-based immigrants, in the case of
immigrant visa number retrogression. Also, with USCIS' plan to increase the filing
fee for the Premium Processing service, it will be more expensive to
file the Premium Processing of I-140 petition.